What A Continuation Bet Is (Simple Definition)
A continuation bet is:
- You raise preflop
- You get called
- You bet on the flop
That flop bet is the continuation bet. You’re “continuing” the story that you have a strong hand.
C-bets work because the preflop raiser often has a strong range—and many flops miss the caller.
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips (Pillar). This article explains what a c-bet is, when it works, when it doesn’t, and how to make simple, profitable c-bet decisions in real time.
Why C-Betting Works (When It Works)
A c-bet can win in two main ways:
1) You Get Value
You have a real hand (top pair, overpair, strong draw) and you want calls.
2) You Create Folds
You don’t have much, but the board favors your range, and the opponent misses often.
The key is knowing which situation you’re in.
The First Question Before You C-Bet
Ask this every time:
“What am I trying to accomplish?”
If you can’t answer, don’t bet. Checking is not weak. Checking is sometimes the best play.
Board Texture: The C-Bet Cheat Code
Flop texture determines whether c-bets print money or light money on fire.
Dry Boards (Good For C-Bets)
Dry boards have fewer draws and fewer strong connections.
Examples:
- A♣ 7♦ 2♠
- K♥ 8♣ 3♦
- Q♠ 6♦ 2♣
These boards miss many calling ranges. A small c-bet often works.
Wet Boards (Be More Careful)
Wet boards have many draws and connected cards.
Examples:
- J♠ 10♠ 9♦
- 9♥ 8♥ 7♣
- K♠ Q♦ J♦
These boards hit calling ranges more often. Players continue more, and bluff c-bets get punished.
Beginner rule:
- C-bet more on dry boards
- Check more on wet boards unless you have value or strong equity
If you need the math behind continuing with draws, revisit How To Calculate Poker Equity In Real Time.
Opponent Type Changes Everything
Your c-bet strategy should change based on who you’re betting into.
Against Loose-Passive “Calling Stations”
They hate folding. Bluffing is usually a mistake.
Better plan:
- c-bet for value
- size for calls
- reduce bluffs
Against Tight Players
They fold more when they miss.
Better plan:
- c-bet more often
- smaller sizing often works
- apply pressure on dry boards
Against Aggressive Players
They will raise more and float more.
Better plan:
- c-bet less automatically
- protect your checking range
- be ready to continue with strong hands and strong draws
If you like HUD-based adjustments, your fold-to-c-bet stat (when allowed) can help support these decisions.
C-Bet Sizing (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need fancy sizing to start.
Common Beginner Sizes
- Small c-bet (25%–33% pot): good on dry boards, good for range advantage
- Medium c-bet (50% pot): good when you have value or want more pressure
- Big c-bet (75%+ pot): usually for polarized spots (strong hands or strong bluffs)
Beginner advice:
- Start with smaller sizing on dry boards
- Bet bigger when you have value and expect calls
- Avoid big bluff c-bets on wet boards
When You Should C-Bet (Easy Checklist)
C-bet more often when:
- the flop favors your range (you raised preflop)
- opponent is likely to miss and fold
- you have top pair+ or a strong draw
- you’re in position (you control future streets)
C-bet less often when:
- board is very wet and smashy
- opponent is a calling station
- you’re out of position with marginal hand
- you have no equity and no plan for turn cards
When Checking Is The Best Play
Checking protects you from spewing chips and helps you realize equity.
Good reasons to check:
- you have a medium-strength hand and want pot control
- you have showdown value but don’t want to face a raise
- you have a draw and can take a free card in position
- the board hits the caller hard
- you want to trap with a very strong hand sometimes
A strong beginner habit:
- Don’t try to win every pot. Win the profitable ones.
Two Real Examples (So This Feels Practical)
Example 1: Dry Board C-Bet Bluff
You raise preflop on the button. Big blind calls.
Flop: A♣ 7♦ 2♠
This board is great for the raiser. You represent aces, strong pairs, and broadways. The big blind often has missed hands.
A small c-bet here is usually profitable.
Example 2: Wet Board Check With Nothing
You raise preflop. Big blind calls.
Flop: J♠ 10♠ 9♦
This board hits the caller’s range hard (pairs, straight draws, two pairs). If you have air, bluffing into this texture is often lighting money on fire.
Checking is usually better.
The Most Common C-Bet Mistakes Beginners Make
- c-betting 100% of flops
- betting big with weak hands
- bluffing into calling stations
- ignoring board texture
- not knowing what to do when raised
- not planning for turn cards
If you want a general “leaks” checklist, you’ll later cover common mistakes in the series. For now, fixing c-bet autopilot is already a big jump.
Quick Takeaways
- A c-bet is your flop bet after raising preflop
- C-bets win by value or by folds—know which you’re doing
- Dry boards are better for bluff c-bets, wet boards require caution
- Opponent type matters (don’t bluff calling stations)
- Small sizing works well on many dry boards
- Checking is often the best play when unsure
Mini FAQ
Should I Always C-Bet After Raising Preflop?
No. Your c-bet frequency should depend on the flop, opponent, and your hand.
What’s The Best C-Bet Size For Beginners?
Small (about 25%–33% pot) is often a good default on dry boards.
What If My Opponent Raises My C-Bet?
Don’t panic. Consider your hand strength, your equity, and whether that opponent raises bluffs often. Many beginner games raise mostly for value.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned when c-bets are profitable and when checking saves money.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to learn how to read what opponents are doing through their bet sizes and patterns, because online poker gives you fewer physical tells—so betting patterns become your main read.
Continue with How to Identify Player Types (TAG, LAG, Nit, Maniac).
